First United Church Newsletter - November 24, 2023
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Christmas Celebrations, Artisans at First

First United Church, Waterloo
First United Church Newsletter - November 24, 2023
November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

We are starting a month long celebration. We are just over a week away from the first Sunday of Advent and there are some exciting things happening around the church and in the community.
 
The blessed season of promises opportunities to gather and share laughter, joy, and the chance to connect with our church community.
 
The Rev. Hoeun Lee is in the office each Tuesday to Thursday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. To reach him then, or at other times please contact at:
phone: 519-745-8487 (ext. 208)
cell: 519-722-5990
email:rev.hoeun.firstunited@gmail.com

For more infomation visit:

https://bit.ly/Nov-26-2023

Bulletin - November 26
Choir Auxiliary and Friends - Lunches & Free Noon Hour Concerts

Choir Auxiliary and Friends - Lunches & Free Noon Hour Concerts

Our 2023 Season will close on Tuesday Nov. 28 with a lovely Christmas Concert featuring the Waterloo County Carollers, in costume and directed by Janelle Santi. 
 
We've had a very successful Season featuring fabulous musicians, and offering delicious lunches as an Outreach to our audiences which have numbered from 105 to 354. Thanks to Jean Hoffmann, Barb Blain and the many volunteers who prepared and served the lunches, Shirley Irish our treasurer, Sheena Curwood and to Matthew Savage our technician.
 
Our 46th Season will open on Tuesday January 16th with Larry Larson on trumpet and Lori Gemmell on harp.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year, Sharon Gowland Concert Coordinator.

For more infomation visit:

http://firstunitedchurch.ca/news/the-choir-auxiliary-and-friends-noon-hour-concerts-and-lunches

Click for the full schedule and further lunch information
Artisans at First

Artisans at First

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Tell your friends, neighbours and family members!
 
Many past vendors returning but a number of new vendors too!
 
On Sunday Nov. 26 we will be to signing up helpers, after the service - setting up/taking down the tables; preparing food for the lunchroom; serving in the lunchroom; or staffing First's craft table. Since we are hosting this fundraiser closer to Christmas this year, we hope you will join us in making this a successful event as we get into the Christmas spirit!
 
Click below for more details!

For more infomation visit:

http://firstunitedchurch.ca/events/artisans-at-first--213/2023-12-02

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Artisans at First Bake Sale

Artisans at First Bake Sale

December 2nd 2023

Please bake your favorite things and bring them to the Labyrinth Room at church on December 1st. from 2-4 p.m
If you can plate or box your baking it will be very helpful. Also mention if there are nuts and spices on the tag to help  decision making when buying.
 
If you are able to make Christmas cookies please bring them  in a container at 2 p.m. and we will make up plates with a variety of cookies.
 
We need your help either on Friday or to sell on Saturday please call Alice @519 634 8614.
 
Thank you and Happy Baking
Christmas at the Creche

Christmas at the Creche

An Advent and Christmas Carol Programme - Sunday, December 3, 2023

Christmas at the Creche

An Advent and Christmas Carol Programme featuring

The Choirs of First United Church, Waterloo

Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Corner of King and William St. Uptown Waterloo

Gallery Choir; Handbell Choir; Family Choir

Congregational Carols; Freewill Offering

White Gift Sunday

White Gift Sunday

Sunday, December 10, 2023 - Sunday, December 10, 2023

The tradition of White Gift Sunday started in 1904. Gifts were brought to the church wrapped in white so that no one else would know what you could bring and thus all could share in the joy of giving regardless of income. These gifts were distributed to families in need.

For the last few years, First United has gathered gifts for the guests who come to our Fridays at First meal. For some of these people, this is the only gift they will get. Others look forward to getting a bag of items that they can share with friends and family.

Lists of suggested items and green bags will be available at the church starting Sunday November 20. These will be received during the service on December 10 and could be dropped off at any time before that if you are not able to attend in person.

A CHRISTMAS PARTY

A CHRISTMAS PARTY

Potluck & Fun - Saturday, December 16, 2023

You are Invited to

A CHRISTMAS PARTY

Saturday, December 16, 2023

5:00-8:00 p.m.

COME All CHRISTMAS PARTY

POT LUCK DINNER

or DONATION

Come and Enjoy

FUN FOOD FELLOWSHIP

Caroling Games Entertainment

Fence of Sharing and Caring

Fence of Sharing and Caring

2023 Edition

Socks, Mitts and Hats will be on the fence again this winter to help those may need a little extra warmth this winter.

STEPS TO CLOTHING OUR FENCE OF CARING AND SHARING

  1. Dig out a scarf or hat or gloves when you go for a walk on a chilly morning.
  2. Dig deeper for other articles of clean, warm winter clothing.
  3. Put on the scarf you found for yourself. 
  4. Put the extra cozy clothing you found in a bag.
  5. If you didn't find any extra clothing, maybe you're able to donate something new or ask your neighbours and friends if they're interested in donating!
  6. Take clothing to First United -  put in plastic bins underneath bench at back door  and Lynne will tie them on the fence. 
  7. The folks who need cozy hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, and socks are most grateful that you care and share!

 

First United Outreach

First United Outreach

Drivers Needed

Drivers are needed for Friday's at First. Cathie Savage needs to be picked up at Central Fresh Market and driven with Friday's at First groceries to the church.  It is done at a mutually agreeable time but most often on a Friday morning.  This is not a difficult job but it is very much appreciated by Cathie.  If you are able to do this  or would like more information please speak to Vern Hall (519-699-5367 or vern.hall@rogers.com).


Holiday Meal News

Thank you so much to those who have stepped up to keep this tradition going for another year! Stay tuned for how you can help out. We get rolling in just a few weeks!

Game Night at First

Game Night at First

Saturday, December 8, 2023

Join us at 6:00 PM on the second Saturday of each month.

Book Club

Book Club

Greenwood: A Novel - Saturday, November 25, 2023

Time for your next book club book!

Greenwood: A Novel by Michael Chistie

"Greenwood" is a historical novel by Michael Christie that weaves together the stories of characters from different time periods, all connected to the same majestic tree, Greenwood. Spanning from the early 1900s to a post-apocalyptic future, the novel explores themes of environmentalism, resilience, and the enduring power of nature..

For more infomation visit:

http://firstunitedchurch.ca/events/book-club--199/2023-11-25

Read More
Community Events

Community Events

Read the details of this events by clicking the button at the bottom

Sunday, November 26 – 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Healing a Polarized World, World Religious Conference - www.worldreligionsconference.org


Trinity United Church, 54 Benton St. Kitchener, Ontario Invites you to a Special Service: Lessons & Carols “Hark What A Sound” December 10, 2023.at 2 PM


‘TIS THE SEASON SHOPPING NIGHT

Join Westminster United Church on Friday, December 8 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for their 'Tis the Season Shopping Night event. 


Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel's Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis. www.centreinthesquare.com


Opening St. Mark's Place - Request for assistance in creating a welcoming new space for a 43 unit supportive affordable apartment community in Kitchener

For more infomation visit:

http://firstunitedchurch.ca/news/community-events--275

Read More about these Community Events

Ways to Donate to First United

You can get your offering to the church office in several ways:

  You can use PAR, or

  E transfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com, or

  Website donation to www.firstunitedchurch.ca, or

  Send a cheque to First United Church, 16 William St. West, Waterloo ON N2L1J3, or

  Drop a cheque into the mailbox located at the Entrance on William St. side.

**Just a reminder- credit card companies have a fee of around 3-5%. If you wish the church to get the full amount, then please add that % to your contribution. **

Financial Update

October 2023

 

October

Oct./2023 YTD

YTD Prior Year

General Fund Local

$19,175.00

$137,684.00

$151,771.78

Wage Subsidy Grants

0.00

0.00

0.00

Other Operations

9,538.07

95,380.53

106,297.22

Mission & Outreach

 4,932.00

34,509.00

38,663.00

Total Income

$33,645.07

$267,573.53

$296,732.00

Salaries & Benefits

22,739.56

209,689.20

220,646.66

Other Expenses

9,477.92

100,149.50

85,385.00

Mission & Outreach

4,932.00

34,509.00

38,663.00

Total Expenses

$37,149.48

$344,347.70

344,694.66

Excess Income/Expenses

($3,504.41)

($76,744.17)

($47,962.66)

Capital Income

  824.84

10,663.40

11,953.40

Capital Expenses

6.66

7,268.61

423.98

Capital Excess Income/Expenses

$818.18

$3,394.79

$11,529.42

 

Building Relationships, Living God's Transforming Love

Building Relationships, Living God's Transforming Love

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16 William St. West
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 1J3

519-745-8487

office@firstunitedchurch.ca